Corporate bonds are an excellent way for companies to raise money while offering investors regular interest income. When you invest in these bonds, you lend money to a company, and in return, the company commits to paying interest and returning the principal at maturity.
In India, interest in corporate bonds has grown steadily. Companies are using bonds more actively to fund expansion and long-term projects, while investors are considering them for predictable income and portfolio balance.
In this guide, we explain what corporate bonds are, the different types available in India, how they work, and the benefits and risks involved.
What are Corporate Bonds?
Corporate bonds are debt instruments that companies issue to raise money. When you invest in a corporate bond, you are lending money to the company. In return, the company pays interest at fixed intervals and repays the principal amount when the bond matures.
Companies use corporate bonds to fund expansion, manage working capital, refinance existing debt, or support long-term projects. Unlike shareholders, bondholders do not get ownership rights in the company. They are creditors and are paid interest as agreed.
Also Read: What’s a bond?
Corporate Bonds vs Government Bonds
The key difference lies in who issues them and the level of risk:
- Government bonds are issued by the central or state government and carry lower risk.
- Corporate bonds are issued by companies and have higher interest to compensate for higher risk.
Also Read: Top US Government Bond ETFs
Types of Corporate Bonds
Corporate bonds in India are issued in different forms, based on security, interest structure, and repayment terms. Some common types of corporate bonds are:
Secured vs. Unsecured Bonds
- Secured bonds are backed by company assets. If the company fails to repay, these assets may be used to recover investor money.
- Unsecured bonds are not backed by specific assets and rely only on the company’s creditworthiness. These usually offer higher interest due to higher risk.
Convertible vs. Non-Convertible Bonds
- Convertible bonds can easily be converted into company shares after a certain period or under specific conditions.
- Non-convertible bonds (NCBs) cannot be converted into equity and remain pure debt instruments, offering regular interest payments.
Most retail investors prefer non-convertible bonds for predictable income.
Fixed Rate vs. Floating Rate Bonds
- Fixed-rate bonds pay a constant interest rate throughout the bond’s tenure.
- Floating rate bonds have interest rates that change periodically, usually linked to a benchmark rate.
Fixed-rate bonds are easier to track, while floating-rate bonds adjust to changing interest conditions.
Inflation-Linked Bonds
Inflation-linked bonds adjust returns based on inflation levels. This helps protect purchasing power, but such bonds are limited in availability in the corporate bond segment.
Zero-Coupon Bonds
Zero-coupon bonds do not pay regular interest. They are issued at a discount and redeemed at face value at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and maturity value is the investor’s return.
Also Read : What are US bond ETFs and how to invest in them?
Benefits of Investing in Corporate Bonds
Corporate bonds offer a mix of income, predictability, and flexibility. Some core benefits include:
Diversification of Investment Portfolio
Corporate bonds balance a portfolio that is heavily tilted towards equities or traditional deposits. Since bond returns are not directly linked to stock market movements, they can lower the volatility when combined with other asset classes.
Potential for Higher Returns
Corporate bonds usually offer higher interest rates. This higher return compensates investors for taking on company-specific risk and varies based on the issuer’s credit quality and tenure.
Relative Stability in Returns
Most corporate bonds pay interest at fixed intervals, such as annually or semi-annually. This creates predictable cash flows, which in turn makes them suitable for investors who want regular income.
Tax Benefits and Implications
Interest earned from corporate bonds is taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab. Capital gains tax depends on the investment’s holding period.
- Listed Bonds (>12 months): Taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
- Short Term: Taxed as per your income tax slab.
While bonds are not tax-free by default, some categories—like tax-saving or tax-free bonds—have specific tax advantages under defined conditions.
How Corporate Bonds Work
Corporate bonds follow a structured process from issuance to repayment. Here’s how it works:
How Corporates Issue Bonds
When a company needs funds, it issues bonds to investors either through public issues or private placements. By buying these bonds, investors lend money to the company for a fixed period.
Role of Credit Rating Agencies
Credit rating agencies check the financial strength of the issuer and assign ratings to bonds. These ratings show the level of credit risk involved.
Higher-rated bonds are considered safer but usually offer lower returns than lower-rated bonds.
Bond Maturity and Interest Payments
Each bond has a defined maturity period.
During this time, the issuer pays interest at agreed intervals. The interest rate and payment schedule are decided at the time of issuance and remain part of the bond’s terms.
Redemption Process of Corporate Bonds
The issuer pays back the principal amount to the bondholder at maturity. If the bond is traded in the secondary market, investors may also exit before maturity, subject to market liquidity and pricing.
Steps to Invest in Corporate Bonds in India
Investing in corporate bonds involves a few straightforward steps:
Opening a Demat Account
A demat account is required to hold listed corporate bonds. Most bonds issued in India are held electronically, so investors must have an active demat account linked to their bank account before investing.
Selecting the Right Bonds
Bond selection should be based on:
- Issuer credibility
- Bond tenure
- Interest rate offered
- Purpose of investment like income or short-term holding
Evaluating Bond Ratings and Risks
Credit ratings provide a good starting point but should not be the only factor. Investors should also review:
- Financial strength of the issuer
- Sector exposure
- Past repayment track record
Monitoring Investments and Market Trends
After investing, bonds should be reviewed periodically. Changes in interest rates, credit ratings, or company performance can affect bond value and exit options. Regular monitoring helps investors make better and timely decisions.
Corporate Bonds Market in India
Indian businesses now rely on bonds not just for short-term needs, but also for long-term projects such as infrastructure, energy, and financial services.
As of 2025, the size of the corporate bond market in India crossed ₹53 lakh crore, reflecting growing participation from institutional investors, mutual funds, insurance companies, and high-net-worth individuals.
Regulatory Environment
The corporate bond market in India is regulated by SEBI, which sets rules around issuance, disclosure, credit ratings, and trading. Over time, SEBI has introduced measures to:
- Improve transparency in bond issuance
- Strengthen disclosure requirements for issuers
- Increase liquidity in the secondary market
- Encourage wider participation from investors
Major Issuers and Popular Segments
Corporate bonds in India are mainly issued by:
- Financial institutions and NBFCs
- Public sector enterprises
- Infrastructure and power companies
- Large private corporations
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Risks Associated with Corporate Bonds
While corporate bonds can provide regular income, they also come with risks such as:
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the possibility that the issuing company may fail to pay interest or repay the principal. Bonds with lower credit ratings have a higher chance of default, which is why they offer higher interest rates. Even highly rated bonds are not completely risk-free.
Interest Rate Risk
Bond prices move in the opposite direction from interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds usually falls. This risk is more relevant if you plan to sell the bond before maturity.
Inflation Risk
Inflation can reduce the real value of the interest earned from bonds. If inflation rises faster than the bond’s interest rate, the purchasing power of your returns may decline over time.
Liquidity Risk
Not all corporate bonds are easy to sell in the secondary market. Some bonds may have limited buyers, which can make it difficult to exit without accepting a lower price. Liquidity risk is usually higher in lower-rated or less frequently traded bonds.
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Conclusion
Corporate bonds offer investors a way to earn regular income while maintaining a clearer view of returns. They play an important role in portfolio diversification and can suit different risk profiles depending on the bond type chosen.
When chosen carefully and aligned with financial goals, corporate bonds can serve as a steady and structured investment option in India.
FAQs on Corporate Bonds in India
The minimum investment depends on the bond and where it is issued. Some listed corporate bonds can be bought in lots starting from ₹10,000, while others may require ₹1 lakh or more. Bonds issued through private placements usually have higher minimum amounts.
Corporate bond yield depends on:
Coupon rate (interest paid)
Purchase price of the bond
Time left until maturity
Yes, NRIs can invest in corporate bonds in India, subject to RBI guidelines. They usually invest through NRE/NRO accounts, and certain bonds may have eligibility or limit restrictions.
Both are debt instruments issued by companies. The difference is mostly technical:
Corporate bonds are typically secured, rated, and listed
Debentures can be secured or unsecured and may not always be listed
Corporate bonds and stocks serve different purposes:
Corporate bonds provide regular income and lower volatility
Stocks aim for capital growth but carry a higher risk
Bonds are generally suited for income-focused or conservative investors, while stocks suit long-term growth goals.
There is no single “best” corporate bond. Suitable bonds depend on:
Credit rating (AAA, AA, etc.)
Issuer’s financial stability
Tenure and yield
Your risk comfort
Corporate bonds might offer higher interest rates than FDs, but they also carry higher risk.
FDs are safer and bank-backed
Corporate bonds depend on the company’s ability to repay
Bonds suit investors who can accept some risk in exchange for better returns, while FDs suit those who prioritise safety.
Interest rates on corporate bonds vary widely based on credit rating and market conditions. In general, rates range between 9% and 14%, with lower-rated bonds offering higher rates to compensate for higher risk.
Disclaimer: Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory.
